James Daniel Eckert passed away on April 23, 2025. Born on March 21, 1940, in Miami, Florida, he moved to Pass-a-Grille Beach with his parents when he was 2 months old where they owned and operated the Seahorse Restaurant. Jim had many fond memories of growing up in the Pass-a-Grille Beach Hotel that his family owned, including playing legion baseball and being a batboy for the St. Petersburg Saints minor league baseball team.

Jim attended St. Paul School, Sunshine Elementary in Pass-a-Grille, and St. Leo Preparatory School before graduating from Boca Ciega High School where he played baseball. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree (B.S.B.A.1962) and law degree (1965) from the University of Florida where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. His favorite expression was, “Go Gators!”

Jim practiced law in St. Petersburg for more than 50 years. He began his legal career with the law firm Baynard, McLeod and Nelson, eventually becoming a partner in the firm. After leaving the Baynard firm Jim went into private practice for many years as a civil and criminal litigator and trial attorney. Years later Jim joined with Belcher, Fleece & Eckert and later, Holland and Knight. Jim was a passionate advocate for his clients and often provided pro-bono counsel to those in need. He was a member of the Florida Bar, past member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, Florida Defense Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers and served on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee. He was a former municipal Judge for the City of St. Petersburg Beach.

In 1986 Jim founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Marine Bank in St. Petersburg, which was later acquired by SouthTrust Bank. He also served as a Director for Madeira Beach Bank and The First Bank of Gulfport.

In addition to his professional career, Jim was actively involved in his community. He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. He was a member of the Suncoasters civic organization, former member of the Dragon Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Quarterback Club, past President of the Northeast Exchange Club, and St. Petersburg High School Athletic Boosters, and the University of Florida Alumni Association. Earlier in life, Jim was active in the Pinellas County Democratic Party and worked on the campaigns of Leroy Collins, C. Farris Bryant and U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson and was appointed to the Pinellas County Advisory Committee by then Florida Governor Reubin Askew. Jim also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.

Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, candid demeanor, and willingness to help and support people in need. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his church community, practicing law, and the Florida Gators. Jim traveled throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Medjugorje but always returned to his two favorite places - Ireland and Maine.

He is survived by his children Rusty Eckert of St. Petersburg, Florida, Ginger Eckert Aloisio (Brian) of Salem, Massachusetts, Kristin Lynch Eckert Rahm (Greg) of Upper Arlington, Ohio, grandchildren Vivienne Pearl Aloisio, Wren Lucille Hope Aloisio, and Milo James Rahm, and siblings Dan Eckert (Gini), Rosella Sunnucks (Marc), Laura Howry (Bruce), and Rita Hess. He is preceded in death by his sister Louise Wheeler and parents, Irene C. and R. Vernon Eckert.

Visitation will be from 8:30 AM until Mass time @ 9:30 AM on on Saturday, June 28 at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, or a charity of your choice. (link at the bottom of this page)